Controlling light levels from different areas of a room is a useful and effective method for long corridors, flights of stairs, and galleries. In fact, it is so: it is not convenient for anyone to turn on the light on the lower floor upon arrival home, go up to the bedroom, and then go back and turn it off. In this case, you will have to go back in the dark. It will be much more convenient to turn on the light at the beginning of the stairs, and turn it off at the end. To control the light according to this principle, special walk-through switches connected to the light source from two sides will help. It should be analyzed in more detail how to properly connect the light switch.
Switch connection diagram
Through switches do not have a neutral position that would break the electrical circuit. Such devices can redirect the flow of electricity in one direction or another, leading to the closure of individual contacts. The principle of operation of the system is based on the operation of limit switches, which have the property of changing the stateelectrical circuit in separate wiring locations.
Such switches do not copy each other, but function autonomously, although they belong to the elements of a single circuit. In addition to ease of use, this type of connection helps to save a significant amount of electricity.
Pass-through switches give home owners the opportunity to use lighting networks that include one or several lines at once and are controlled from different points in the room. Each type of connection should be considered according to separate diagrams and in more detail, which will help the future user determine the main advantages of the switches, as well as understand the sequence of their self-installation.
The main advantages of the system include the following factors:
- there is a chance to control from different parts of the room;
- there is a chance to connect several lines at once;
- comfortable light control even from a distance;
- opportunity to save on electricity costs.
Experts recommend considering some of the disadvantages of the connection system. First, you need to use additional equipment. Secondly, there may be some difficulties with the installation of the system and switching.
What is a dual seat control scheme?
How to connect a do-it-yourself light switch? The control scheme from two places is considered the easiest for single-key devices in different sections of the distance (stairwells and corridors). All connections are made only on the phase conductor and its branches between the feed-through switches.
The zero wire is drawn to the light source itself, but it is not involved in the connection process. How to connect a pass-through switch to one light bulb according to the diagram?
- Each device has 2-3 terminals, between which the generated current is evenly distributed. The terminals of the two connectors are switched with each other.
- The center input of the first switch is connected to the 220 V phase cable.
- The second switch is directed towards the consumer.
Each of the mounted switches can close or open the electrical circuit, which will directly depend on the location of the contacts. Many experts recommend wiring in multiple junction boxes next to each switch, or in a separate box installed in the center of the wiring.
The second method may at first glance seem faster and easier, but in practice it will require a long wire, as well as a large number of twists in a separate box.
Managing multiple lighting lines
How to connect a two-way switch to two light bulbs? With this type of installation, two-button switches are used, in which each key switches on one of the connection lines.
How to connect the passthroughswitch with two buttons? To do this, use the step-by-step instructions:
- phase conductor is connected to the input terminal of the first switch, and then connected to the second one by jumpers;
- output terminals in two switches function with each other on the principle of pairing and matching instrument keys;
- the input terminals of the second device are connected via special wires of the lighting line.
Two lines interact at once with the neutral conductor. Each instrument key controls a specific electrical circuit, causing the lights to turn on or off.
How is the lighting controlled from three locations?
The peculiarity of this type of connection lies in the ability to control the light with three switches at once. Such a system includes a second device that will play the role of an adapter, but unlike switches, it will be equipped with two multiple entry and exit openings, as well as a paired moving contact operating between three fixed ones.
The adapter is mounted on the third connection section of the system, with which the lighting device in the room is switched on and off.
How to properly connect a do-it-yourself two-phase light switch? The circuit has several single-gang switches, two distribution boxes and one switch. The step-by-step instruction for mounting the system consists of the following steps:
- 220V network phase conductor connected to the input of the first pass-through device;
- second switch input connected to wiring;
- output of two feedthroughs goes to cross switch outputs.
Cables are connected to each other in special junction boxes, which can be two or three at once.
Connecting switches to an outlet
How to properly connect the light switch through the switch? For independent development of a lighting connection network with the function of turning the light on and off from different places in the room, the L-conductor from the old lighting line can become a phase. To do this, the input of the first switch is connected to it, and then the wiring is carried out using one of the described methods.
When installing a new circuit, the phase wire can be led to a nearby outlet or you can find its conductor in the junction box using a special dialer.
The easiest way to install a walk-through switch is to mount the outlet. This method is practical and efficient in operation. The jumper in this case can be a simple wire with a metal core, which will correspond to the wire section. Cable routing between two switches and junction boxes is carried out in a strobe under a layer of putty (hidden path) or by laying in cable ditches.
Which switch should I choose?
Determinerequired switches for the lighting system is possible if you know the scheme, the number of required points and the personal preferences of the owner of the house.
All switches can be divided into the following types:
- one lighting line with several switches - one key;
- scheme with several lighting lines - two keys;
- three lighting control points in one line - one key;
- lighting three lines at once - three keys.
All pass-through devices differ from each other in the number of keys and appearance. In addition, the switches differ from each other according to the principle of mounting - mortise and external. By type of operation in the market can be found:
- mechanical push-button switches;
- sensory, activated after contact with the skin;
- remote controls that come with a separate infrared remote control.
Remote walk-through switches are most often used in large living rooms or offices where the ability to control lighting from different points is valued above all.
Top manufacturers in the market
In online stores there is a huge amount of electrical goods from different manufacturers, among which you can find well-known brands. In order to determine which device is best to choose for mounting in the home, the user should analyze some individual brands from both domestic and foreign companies.
List of companies producing gatesswitch:
- Legrand Valena, manufacturer France (single-key) - cost 650 rubles;
- TDM Electric is produced in Russia, has several keys and costs 150 rubles;
- Schneider Electric is developed by a company from France, has two keys and costs 300 rubles;
- Volsten - a brand of a Russian manufacturer, a switch with a two-gang system costs 160 rubles;
- Makel is made in Turkey, has a two-key system and costs 200 rubles.
The listed price on the switch model does not show the whole picture of price criteria. The price for a particular device will directly depend on its design, functions, materials used and brand awareness.
For example, Schneider Electric and Legrand Valena are the world's most popular brands. The devices of these manufacturers are of high quality, which is confirmed by indicators of their service life.
What problems can arise during installation?
How to properly connect a pass-through switch with grounding? Among the most common errors that can reduce the quality of the finished system and lead to problems with the functioning of the switches are:
- Trying to connect all the wires in one distribution box. Doing this is only allowed if a simple single-line circuit with several switches is used. If it is necessary to carry out more complex communications, it is necessary to separate the joints in several or three boxes in order to prevent too many twists onone area. If this fact is not taken into account, this can result in a short circuit due to poor insulation and the difficulty of further repair and maintenance.
- Use of wires from different materials of current-carrying conductors. Such wiring is dangerous, as oxidation will occur during use of the devices and contact will stop.
- The device of chucks in the cable channel gutter or under a layer of plaster in the presence of internal wiring. Such a connection may result in a leakage of electric current due to the wetting of the wall or the accumulation of a large amount of condensate in the box. As a result, there may be a breakdown of the current on the wall or the constant operation of the protective system.
- Incorrect design of links when connecting cables. The twist should, according to the norms, be well tightened and reach a length of up to 25 millimeters. Only if this rule is observed can a high-quality and durable connection be achieved. It is best to use terminal blocks for such purposes.
Experts recommend that when insulating the connection sections over the insulation system, also put on a protective cap. It is he who will prevent a short circuit.
Installation of the switch "Lezart"
How to properly connect the "Lezart" pass-through switch? When mounting a switch of this type, you need to use not two, but three wires at once. One cable in this case will be directed from the network towards the light source, and the other two will be combined with each other through devices.
In order not to get lost in all the cables, you shouldapply several colors at once. For example, most often masters use three wires for comfortable work: blue, blue-green and brown.
- brown - phase wire, which is connected to the input of the first adapter and leads to the output of the second;
- blue - leads to the lamp itself (otherwise, the neutral wire);
- yellow-green - most often used for grounding, since the light does not need grounding, it can be used in a room where two pass-through switches are combined at once.
If you use such an eyeliner scheme, it will be almost impossible to get confused.
How to connect a double-gang switch?
To do this, the user will need two instances of radio buttons. One is installed at the beginning of the room, the second - at the other end. The scheme of their communication will directly depend on the number of built-in keys.
How to properly connect the "Legrand" pass-through switch? A phase wire is connected to the first device. There are several cables between the other two. Further from the second switch, the cable is directed towards the lighting fixture. Also, a “zero” wire is connected to the light source.
A distinctive feature of switching on and off lighting from different places is the short circuit and opening of the cables located between the two conductors. To turn on the light, one of the wires must close from time to time. To prevent quick breakage of pass-through switches during self-installation of the device, it is important to adhere to all points of the instructions andfollow the pattern.
